Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: February 16, 2026

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

Ind-Pak Clash: India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Colombo; Ishan Kishan named Player of the Match for his 77 (40).
Diplomacy: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to represent India at Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in as Bangladesh PM on Feb 17.
AI Summit: India prepares to host the “AI Impact Summit 2026” at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, starting Feb 16.
TRAI Deadline: February 15 marks the mandatory switch for insurance firms to use the ‘1600’ series for service calls to curb spam.
Railway Milestone: Vande Bharat Express completes 7 years of service since its first launch on February 15, 2019.
New Train: Western Railway announces the Udaipur City-Asarva (Ahmedabad) Vande Bharat Express, Gujarat’s 6th such train.
Science: IIT Bombay researchers release a study on lung mucus behavior, revealing how excess mucus forms “humps” that trigger asthma.
State Policy: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu invites public suggestions for the State Budget 2026-27 with cash prizes for top ideas.
Environment: Meghalaya police arrest two owners of an illegal rat-hole mine following a fatal explosion in East Jaintia Hills.
Elections: Telangana municipal poll results show high voter turnout (73.01%) as major parties vie for 116 municipalities.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Arunachal CM Invites Public Suggestions for State Budget 2026-27

Summary: CM Pema Khandu launched a participatory budgeting initiative to gather public input for the upcoming financial year.

On February 15, 2026, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu officially invited citizens to share their suggestions, ideas, and feedback for the state budget 2026-27. In a social media announcement, the CM emphasized that the government aims to make the budgeting process more “inclusive, participatory, and people-centric.” Citizens can submit their entries through a dedicated government portal until February 20. To incentivize engagement, the state has announced a cash prize of ₹50,000 each for the top five suggestions.

This move is part of a broader trend of “participatory budgeting” in Indian states, aimed at aligning fiscal priorities with grassroots needs. For competitive exams, this is a prime example of “Good Governance” and “Fiscal Federalism” at the state level. It highlights how digital platforms are being used to enhance democratic participation. The initiative follows the Union Government’s similar practices of inviting suggestions on the MyGov portal.

Source: The Arunachal Times — https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2026/02/15/cm-invites-public-suggestions-for-state-budget/

Telangana Municipal Election Results and Governance Initiatives

Summary: High voter turnout of 73.01% recorded in civic polls as state focuses on technology-driven local administration.

The Telangana State Election Commission confirmed on February 15, 2026, that the final voter turnout for the 2026 municipal polls stood at 73.01%. The elections were conducted across 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations, including the key Karimnagar Municipal Corporation. Following the polls, IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu advocated for a new technology-driven governance platform to improve local administration, specifically focusing on transparency in municipal revenue and grievance redressal.

For aspirants, these elections are significant for understanding the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act and the role of State Election Commissions. The high turnout reflects the active political climate in the state following the 2023 Assembly elections. The push for “Tech-Governance” in municipalities aligns with the National Urban Digital Mission. The results will determine the local leadership in over 2,500 wards, impacting urban development schemes like AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission in the state.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telanagana-municipal-elections-voting-updates-february-11-2026/article70618063.ece

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Speaker Om Birla to Represent India at Bangladesh PM Swearing-In

Summary: India chooses high-level representation for the inauguration of Tarique Rahman as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on February 15, 2026, that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent the Government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on February 17. The invitation was formally extended by the interim administration. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief over the phone on February 14, he declined the physical invitation due to a pre-scheduled high-profile meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai.

This diplomatic move is critical for UPSC aspirants studying “India and its Neighborhood.” It signifies India’s pragmatic approach to the political transition in Bangladesh and its commitment to maintaining bilateral ties regardless of the party in power. Rahman’s rise marks a significant shift in Dhaka’s political landscape, and India’s participation via the Speaker—the third-highest constitutional authority—maintains a balance of respect and strategic autonomy.

Source: Ministry of External Affairs — https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40775/Honble_Speaker_of_the_Lok_Sabha_to_participate_in_the_swearingin_ceremony_of_the_new_Government_in_Bangladesh

Vande Bharat Express Marks Seven Years of Transformative Service

Summary: India’s first semi-high-speed train completes seven years since its inaugural run between Delhi and Varanasi.

On February 15, 2026, the Vande Bharat Express celebrated its seventh anniversary. First flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on February 15, 2019, the “Train 18” initiative has grown from a single route to a national network. Simultaneously, Western Railway announced the new Udaipur City-Asarva (Ahmedabad) Vande Bharat service, which will be Gujarat’s 6th rake. Indian Railways also confirmed that Kavach (Automatic Train Protection) trials at 160 kmph were successfully conducted on the Dadri-Tundla section using a Vande Bharat rake.

For competitive exams, the Vande Bharat mission is a cornerstone of “Make in India” in the transport sector. Aspirants should note the technical evolution from Chair Cars to the upcoming Sleeper versions and the integration of the Kavach system for safety. The train represents a shift toward indigenous manufacturing and high-speed rail technology. Its expansion is a key metric in the “Gati Shakti” national master plan for infrastructure.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/about/vande-bharat-express/

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India Hosts Global Leaders for AI Impact Summit 2026

Summary: New Delhi becomes the focal point of global AI governance as the 4th major AI summit begins at Bharat Mandapam.

The AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on February 16, with final preparations completed on February 15. This is the first time the summit, which follows previous editions in the UK, South Korea, and France, is being held in the Global South. Key attendees include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and several heads of government from the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. The summit is anchored around three “Sutras”: People, Planet, and Progress.

This event is highly relevant for the “Science and Tech” and “International Relations” sections of competitive exams. It focuses on India’s role in shaping “Sovereign AI” and the “Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence” (GPAI). Discussions will cover ethical AI deployment, data protection, and the “AI Commons” framework. India’s experience with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like UPI is being positioned as a model for scalable and inclusive AI.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/india-ai-impact-summit-2026-live-updates-major-announcements-key-speakers-10534350/

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

TRAI Mandate: Insurance Sector Shifts to 1600-Series for Service Calls

Summary: Deadline of February 15, 2026, marks the mandatory adoption of a unified calling series to prevent financial fraud.

As of February 15, 2026, all insurance companies regulated by IRDAI must use the “1600” series for outbound service and transactional calls. This Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) directive aims to help consumers distinguish between legitimate calls from regulated entities and spam or fraudulent “phishing” calls. The move follows similar mandates already implemented for the banking sector (RBI), stock markets (SEBI), and pension funds (PFRDA). Non-compliant entities face the risk of having their 10-digit mobile/landline service calls blocked by telecom operators.

For Banking and SSC aspirants, this is a significant development in “Consumer Protection” and “Digital Literacy.” Understanding the regulatory role of TRAI and IRDAI in curbing Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) is vital. The 1600 series acts as a “trust signal” in the financial ecosystem. It also highlights the convergence of telecom and financial regulations to secure the digital economy.

Source: Varindia — https://www.varindia.com/news/trai-mandates-all-insurance-firms-to-adopt-1600-series-numbers-for-service-calls

5. SPORTS

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: India Routs Pakistan by 61 Runs

Summary: India continues its World Cup dominance over Pakistan with a massive win at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

In a high-stakes encounter at Colombo on February 15, 2026, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Batting first, India posted 175/7, powered by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77 off 40 balls. In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, being bundled out for 114 in 18 overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy were the pick of the bowlers. With this victory, India improved its T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan to 8-1 and secured a berth in the Super Eight stage.

From an exam perspective, major sports achievements are frequently asked in SSC and Banking exams. Key facts include the venue (R. Premadasa Stadium), the Player of the Match (Ishan Kishan), and the milestone of India’s biggest run-margin win against Pakistan in T20Is. This win cements India’s position as a top contender in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Source: News on Air — https://www.newsonair.gov.in/icc-mens-t-20-cricket-world-cup-2026-india-to-take-on-arch-rivals-pakistan-today/

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

IIT Bombay Study Reveals Mechanics of Mucus in Lung Diseases

Summary: Researchers uncover how excess mucus behavior triggers asthma attacks and affects drug delivery.

A study released by IIT Bombay on February 15, 2026, provides new insights into how mucus behavior in the lungs contributes to asthma and pollution-related risks. The researchers found that in diseased conditions, excess mucus doesn’t just block airways but forms narrow, unstable “humps” that leave sections of the airway walls exposed while obstructing others. This mechanical behavior is a key factor in how asthma attacks are triggered and why some inhaled drugs fail to reach the intended site.

This scientific breakthrough is relevant for UPSC Science & Tech and Health modules. It touches upon “Respiratory Health” and “Biophysical Research.” Understanding the mechanics of mucus can lead to better designs for inhalers and targeted drug delivery systems. It also links environmental pollution to biological responses, a recurring theme in contemporary health science questions.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news-today-live-updates-world-india-cities-news-delhi-mumbai-bengaluru-02-15-2026-news-headlines-10532848/

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (Core Recall Points)

1. National & State Governance

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Bangladesh: Representing India at PM Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony on February 17, 2026.
- Significance: India’s neighborhood diplomacy, maintaining bilateral ties during political transitions in Bangladesh.
Arunachal Pradesh Participatory Budget: CM Pema Khandu invited public suggestions for State Budget 2026-27 with ₹50,000 prize for top 5 ideas.
- Significance: Good Governance, Fiscal Federalism, and use of digital platforms for democratic participation.
Telangana Municipal Elections: Recorded 73.01% voter turnout across 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, State Election Commissions, and urban governance.
Meghalaya Illegal Mining Action: Police arrested two owners of illegal rat-hole mine following fatal explosion in East Jaintia Hills.
- Significance: Environmental law enforcement, mining regulations, and state government action on illegal activities.

2. Economy & Finance

TRAI 1600-Series Mandate for Insurance: All IRDAI-regulated insurance firms must use 1600-series for service calls from February 15, 2026.
- Significance: Consumer protection, curbing financial fraud and spam calls, convergence of telecom and financial regulations.

3. International Relations

AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi: Bharat Mandapam hosts global leaders starting February 16; first AI summit in Global South.
- Significance: India’s role in global AI governance, Sovereign AI, Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), Digital Public Infrastructure.

4. Infrastructure & Transport

Vande Bharat Express 7th Anniversary: Completed 7 years since first launch on February 15, 2019 (Delhi-Varanasi route).
- Significance: Make in India, indigenous semi-high-speed rail technology, PM Gati Shakti infrastructure plan.
Gujarat’s 6th Vande Bharat: Western Railway announced Udaipur City-Asarva (Ahmedabad) Vande Bharat Express.
- Significance: Expansion of railway modernization, state-wise distribution of infrastructure projects.
Kavach System Trials: Automatic Train Protection tested successfully at 160 kmph on Dadri-Tundla section.
- Significance: Railway safety technology, indigenous development of collision avoidance systems.

5. Science, Technology & Environment

IIT Bombay Mucus Study: Research reveals excess lung mucus forms unstable “humps” triggering asthma attacks and affecting drug delivery.
- Significance: Respiratory health research, biophysical studies, linkage between pollution and biological responses.

6. Sports

India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: India won by 61 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on February 15, 2026; Ishan Kishan scored 77(40) – Player of the Match.
- Significance: Major sporting achievement, India’s T20 World Cup record vs Pakistan improves to 8-1, qualification to Super Eight stage.

📚 Stay consistent. Stay informed. Stay ahead.

💪 Your daily dose of exam-ready current affairs.